Bernalillo County issues more than 130 same-sex licenses in 1st day

Couples were still getting marriage licenses when the county clerk's office closed at 5 p.m. on Tuesday night. More than 130 couples would have them by the end of the day.

"I'm excited they followed suit with Doña Ana and Santa Fe and that in the state and city we've grown up in, we can get married," Anthony Montaño said.

Montaño and his partner Jose Garcia have been together five years. Today, they waited in line and filled out paperwork for a piece of paper that brought them to a wedding near the office, where they exchanged vows.

"I promise to kiss you every day and hug you every night. Finally, I promise to make you my first priority in everything, together forever," Montaño said.

What was a personal moment for couples was also a political milestone, and a flashpoint for protestors.

"We're here to love one another but we can't love a sin. God wants us to follow his word," Louis Leyba said.

But Montaño says it's about time.

"It's a big day--not just for us--but for New Mexico, LGBT couples everywhere really," he said.